Hi everyone, I just wanted to add a little bit more information on what weapon immobilised the M1 Abrams tank, nicknamed Cojone Eh and commanded by Staff Sergeant Jason Diaz. I know there’s some confusion surrounding this topic, so I’m hoping the following quotes/points help to clarify or answer any questions you may have had. Unfortunately, during my research, I wasn’t able to pinpoint exactly what weapon the Iraqi troops used, mainly because my primary sources, published by the U.S. Army, conflict with each other. The first source is an article titled ‘Call For Papers: Empowering to Win in a Complex World’, published by the Combined Arms Center. The author wrote: “Near the first overpass on Highway 8, an RPG round exploded in the rear of SSG Jason Diaz’s tank, immobilizing it.” While the C.A.C. identified the weapon as being an RPG, the second source, which is a video called ‘OIF: The Fight for Baghdad’ and released by the Army University Press, states that: “A one in a million shot, from a recoilless rifle, pierced the vulnerable rear engine grill of an Abrams tank and started an engine fire.” And, finally, we then have the third source which is the U.S. Army’s Official History on the Iraq Campaign: “Staff Sergeant Diaz’s tank…took either an RPG or recoilless rifle hit in the rear.” Now, although it is disputed whether the tank was hit by either an RPG or a recoilless rifle, many in the 1st Battalion, 64th Armored, who were present in the Thunder Run on the 5 April 2003, have said that they believe a recoilless rifle was most likely used. Captain David Hibner, of the 10th Engineer Battalion and who was attached to the 64th Armored for the Thunder Run, commented that: “A recoilless rifle disabled one of the tanks…It hit into the tanks engine compartment and it started it on fire.” LfE
Love the videos - have you ever looked at covering the Limbang Raid by the Royal Marines in Borneo? More people should know about that almost forgotten conflict.
Sir can you make a vid about the korean war especially the Battle of Yultong, also known as the Battle of Meiluodong, Battle of Yuldong, or Battle of Yuldong-ri in the korean war
I remember watching the Iraqi information minister saying that the "Americans are defeated and are running away", as an Abrams tank rolled past a few blocls behind him.
Lol as an Iraqi i confirm that the government back then was full of shit, my family said that they were casually going to work when they were informed that Iraq was in a war and Baghdad was under invasion.
I remember... the “misinformation minister” ran his mouth and said “they are not at the gates of Baghdad”. One of our Commanding Generals answered back, “I challenge him to come to Baghdad International Airport”, the named dubbed after we took it over when it was called Saddam International Airport. I was an RO with 7th Engineers with the Marines. Semper Fi
Damn I miss you Booker! He was a HARD CORE Steelers fan! We fought almost every weekend during football seasons. He was a tanker and I was a Scout. It was natural to go at him everyday. My heart broke when I found out he passed on the Thunder run. I was in 1st BDE waiting at a checkpoint on the other side of the highway at the airport. We miss you bro!
I was a Bradly Commander (BC) in C 3/15 INF during Thunder Run, I've been through a lot prior to the assault, both during Desert Storm and leading up to Thunder Run. My Bradly exhausted all 300 rounds of our 25 mm and hot reloaded the coax twice. I was never so scared in my life sitting in that BC hatch.
Thank you for your service. I don’t remember the date, it was early or mid April, but my company, 147th Maintenance, moved up after Baghdad was cleared out. I remember burned out vehicles and trailers with missiles on them. Downed power lines and towers.There was quite a bit of destruction that we had little to do with but were very thankful for. After Baghdad it wasn’t too bad north of the city.
@@goldzior1128 I saw that. I would have mentioned the upgrade in the video and not left it for the end. Just my two cents. I really enjoy this channel and always look forward to new content.
@@John.AR.Activism the real axis of evil has been the unholy alliance of the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. Go remove them yourself you deranged neocon, 99% of people aren’t interventionist war hawks.
@@williewilson2250 there would have been no Cold War if Roosevelt didn’t help Stalin build up the military industry might of the USSR. Nor would there even have been a USSR to begin with if New York bankers (at the permission of Woodrow Wilson) didn’t bankroll Trotsky and Lenin when they created the Soviet Union. America betrayed Eastern Europe and allowed the Soviet Union to conquer them under communism instead of allying with Germany to crush global communism once and for all. Shame.
I can't tell you why but before you even said what happened to Booker I got goosebumps like something told me he didn't make it. Tragic. What a stud. This put me to tears
@@roberto125919 You've learned many lesson yourself having lost many wars already so it's quite a bit ironic.. But it's with such attitude against races and cultures that war will never end. You are the cause of hatred, the reason of war. Shame on you.
When I was a benning I saw his picture on a drill sgts desk and asked about and it was his buddy and he told me the story and the drill sgt was involved with the airport raid during that operation. It’s funny cause we all wanted to hear the war stories and now we all have our own
Yeah, like showing a police officers handling and actions of pointing and discharging a weapon at another person all the while ignoring the context that the person shot was innocent and that it was a mistake.
@@woods457 I may be mistaken but I'm pretty sure it's something like American design and engine, British armour, Belgian machine guns and German main gun
@@matthewirvine1361 look up RedEffect m1 abrams video. He explains the development history, whats it made of and explains the m1 uses a german gun talk
There isn’t a modern Western tank design that isn’t absolute state of the art, the Abram fits that Bill to the T alright. I’d say the Chally bumps it but that’s not really relevant to this
Nice presentation - SSgt Booker awarded honors for something not in any book, manual or TTP, countless actions observed and put down until a fatal bullet took his life. Lest we Forget
Thank you for the somber tone in this video. I went into Iraq with Delta Company 4-64Armor and this video stirs a lot of emotions. It’s good to keep this in the forefront of peoples minds. It never leaves us soldiers.
I was a Marine Infantryman following tanks as we rolled in. Let me tell it was wild. Vehicles flying at us and tanks blowing them right by us, jets hitting vehicles as we pushed in and they charged us. Had people trying to kill us and some trying to surrender, every trigger pull us Grunts made had to be second guessed, that guy popping out of the tree could have an RPG ready to hit our track or a man that was coming out to surrender
I worked for Col Schwartz when he was the garrison commander at Knox. He was the most common sense Col I have ever worked for. He was the best Col I ever worked for in the 34 years I worked for the government. If you Col ever read this it was a honor to work for and support you and your driver you had during your tour at Knox.
Imagine driving your normal commute, and all the sudden are in the middle of a firefight between tanks and small infantry units. Or heck you come face to face with an Abrams that then fires warning shots at you. Talk about literal nightmare fuel for anyone.
From the looks of things we'll be seeing the weapons of war we payed to design and build and the men we payed to train soon enough. Looks like the United States is going to "liberate" the United States... For " freedom" of course.
@@d1ff76 I listen to basic logic which makes it pretty obvious why the US is at war on the other side of the world constantly with 3rd world countries (if you're a bit slow it isn't to protect themselves)
@@antimatter4733 he found loads mate, oil rigs and all, i know it was kinda sus how outta all the countries America could of went after, it was a oil rich one, but they had other reasons
@@ellzgoespro6568 very sad, a history teacher of mine pointed out that Iraq back then had infrastructure, a middle class, and a fairly stable existence (you can see this in the footage, these roads don't look much different than American highways)... but after the invasion quality of life plunged into post-apocalyptic levels and never recovered. Their government was evil, Saddam was a thug, but these were just normal people living their lives... they didn't ask for their country to become the "Harvard of Terrorism".
thunderruns, the Baghdad experience, Fallujah and Najaf have defined urban warfare in the 21st century. they set the atmosphere for the rest of the century, like was seen in Mosul. War in the future will be fought more and more in this environment, and all the challenges will be amplified.
@@bobgrabowski2232 The picture is probably the only one the producer of this video had access to and the insignia on each shoulder is the unit he is a member of.
Being 2nd bde 3id, you'd always hear stories about the Thunder Runs. I appreciate you doing a video on this and getting some original footage. I'd love to see a video on thunder run 2.
I was 535th En Co CSEs coms chief.. we spear headed for youz guys up the left flank and created Route Donkey to secure the land for the C130 airstrip south by south west of karbala gap.. and somewhat west of najaf and nasirya.. the qrf yall provided us ran out of fuel . So.. we pushed on forward . I didnt like it one bit.. all we had was two freakin AT4s and a D7 with a mine rake.. we ended up making army history as the first CSE ever to be 68k ahead of any combat team.. we also had Luke Baker from reuters with us.. Karbala gap was where it got ugly for me.. when the sun started coming up i could see the downed apache to the left in a field near some watery looking grassy areas those pilots got captured... and we had a track vehcile in the road that took 9 casualties.. rpg got em when they dropped the door.. being with an engineer xo we was all over the place going from objective to objective to ensure you all had engineer support... we built Dogwood LSA then moved into the upper floor of the old airport terminals at biap a while later.. It was sureal.. Pro Patria Vigilans.
I rolled past the knocked out Abrams in my truck a few days after the Thunder run... It was the only time i had ever seen an MI destroyed. Good to finally know it was an air strike that kept it from being captured..
Alpha Co. 603d Aviation Suppory Battltion. First duty...reenlisted for Germany right as 3ID was preparing to leave for Iraq. Wish I'd stayed with 3ID CAUSE my unit in Germany was fucked up and put myself back in the hospital there and got out
Wtf type of beautiful soul they destroyed the middle east and committed a war crimes against the Iraqi people and destroyed there country wtf type of people are a murdering pace of shit of a nation you call America
@@vladimirmakarov334 Britain and France were responsible for destabilizing the region in the first place and made messed up borders. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, turkey was responsible for the Armenian genocide. Britain and Russia played the great game of Afghanistan where neither side won destabilizing the region further and the cold also did no help at all. After the Golden age of Islam the Middle East has always been in constant conflict. The U.S are just another page in its bloody yet rich history of the Middle East. Also is Americans are lied to since the beginning from our government stating that “we are fighting for freedom” we know that’s bullshit but some blame the soldiers blame the politicians who send them off to war. Are there fucked yo soldiers? Yes quite a few and they should get what they deserve but the vast majority are just young American men and women who were lied to by their government and just like you have reason to hate us we have reasons to hate you too
@@julianpichardo5045 I'm not saying that all Americans are bad what I'm trying to say is your government is corrupt and they are hungry power hungry war mongering paces of shits if they just back tf out of our business and just help the middle east to rebuild it well be great and also if they just stop making Americans suffer that would make the world a better place it needs to stop this lifestyle they are living in not out dated and stupid shit at the end of the day we are all humans that god created
Men like staff sgt booker are rare. They are men that I draw inspiration from. I will always honor people like him as I strive to be like those people.
I was in this thunder run, I was a E2, driver in a Bradley. I can still feel the heat and how bad we smelled and sick to my stomach after a clam chowder MRE. I absolutely hated it, but now after so many years I truly miss it. I miss my battle buddies that I’ll never get to see again or lost contact with. My life has felt like I’ve been stuck in Iraq and I cannot move forward no matter how hard I try, I miss everyone so much.
Booker was definitely a bad ass. Jumped out of the tank where he would be safe because his mama deuce jammed so he could get out with his M4 and provide accurate fire for the entire column. That ladies and gentlemen is a true hero
One of the best documentary Ive gotten watch was Push to Baghdad that cover a lot this in depth on the ground it was back, when educational channels actually educated.
Thank you for this video. 1-64 AR is the unit to made me the soldier I am and to see its history published like this is very moving. Rest in peace brothers. Mission first, men Always. Tip of the Spear, Desert Rouges.
I like to imagine the lead tank's driver was new and the commander briefed him on his job. "Alright bud, you see this road in front of you?" "Yes sir" "And see that throttle there on the stick?" "Yes sir" "You keep the tank on this road, firewall that throttle, and don't stop till I tell you."
Another great video, man. A lot of this sounds vaguely familiar, like, I think I saw another video about this on TH-cam, but this outdoes that video by far. I think I heard it said before that if you weren't 3ID, you weren't really in Iraq or something to that effect. I'm also glad SSgt. Booker's award was upgraded, RIP.
I’m a huge fan of your channel and I think your content is amazing. I would love to see a video about Operation Moshtarak, I’m pretty sure it’s the largest joint operation in history and I would love to know more about it.
The BF3 mission had literally nothing to do with it other than they used the nickname for the push into Baghdad as the name of the official operation for the BF3 mission.
As much as the guy lying on top of the turret is a hero he didn't have to do that and good example of staying in the tank because that's the safe spot. Commander has optics.
@@adrian.m5631 I think it sailed over his head that SSGT Booker was the Commander... Plus, in an engagement like the, 360 degree eyeball of the immediate surroundings and potential obstacles in your path is far more useful than what could at the time be quite limited cameras...
I was thinking the same, he could have just have had is head exposed if he wanted to spot instead of laying prone on the turret so he could shoot with his m4. His arrogance got him killed.
At the time of our invasion, we still had issues w the optical processors overheating, hence the box on the rear bustle rack today, that are used to cool the computers In the tank. How do I know.... I was a tanker and tank instructor at the US Army Armor school fort Knox KY from. 97 to 2000.
@@realityhurts8697 There were 21 Abrams and 40 something Bradleys and Im going to assume we had drones/ air superiority as well. There was zero need/ reason for him to risk his life like that. Chances are he got trigger happy and thought he was a hero on D-Day. I respect his loss of life but thats it. He could have survived, and America shouldnt have been there in the first place, end of story.
I was part of 3rd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division 2/69 AR. I deployed 2 times with those guys. We had great times and rough times. I'll never forget. The Sledgehammer Brigade.
This Jason Diaz was in the 442d Military Police Company attached to the 1st Marine Division. The other Jason Diaz cleared the path for us. He is an AWESOME Jason Diaz
Sir can you make a vid about the korean war especially the Battle of Yultong, also known as the Battle of Meiluodong, Battle of Yuldong, or Battle of Yuldong-ri in the korean war
Great video and tribute to SSG Booker. I was the S-3 and tank commander of HQ-63. However, a small correction... the order of march was actually, A Co 1-64, then B Co 3-15 Infantry, then A Co 10th Engineers, then C Co 1-64.
What were you? A 19k or 11b who was a master gunner or SSG/ SFC/ SGM in s3 that was put on an Abrams or a Bradley carrying battalion command elements during the thunder run.
I remember the amount of mines the Iraqis just threw next to the road (got some pics around here somewhere) and watching the car full of people driving around like they were just going to work. Drove under the overpass on highway 8 about a hundred times. Hard to believe its been 18 years. Rest in Peace SSGT Booker.
I own a flag that was given to my mother who was in 81st brigades pay, she was a grunt and a airforcemen during her times in the military as a Specialist E-4, the flag was one of the main ones in Baghdad during operation Iraqi Freedom, to the services of all those that has kept the flag stabled and in good condition while hauling ass I thank you very much for having this piece of history, and to all the servicemen of the wars.
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to add a little bit more information on what weapon immobilised the M1 Abrams tank, nicknamed Cojone Eh and commanded by Staff Sergeant Jason Diaz. I know there’s some confusion surrounding this topic, so I’m hoping the following quotes/points help to clarify or answer any questions you may have had.
Unfortunately, during my research, I wasn’t able to pinpoint exactly what weapon the Iraqi troops used, mainly because my primary sources, published by the U.S. Army, conflict with each other. The first source is an article titled ‘Call For Papers: Empowering to Win in a Complex World’, published by the Combined Arms Center. The author wrote:
“Near the first overpass on Highway 8, an RPG round exploded in the rear of SSG Jason Diaz’s tank, immobilizing it.”
While the C.A.C. identified the weapon as being an RPG, the second source, which is a video called ‘OIF: The Fight for Baghdad’ and released by the Army University Press, states that:
“A one in a million shot, from a recoilless rifle, pierced the vulnerable rear engine grill of an Abrams tank and started an engine fire.”
And, finally, we then have the third source which is the U.S. Army’s Official History on the Iraq Campaign:
“Staff Sergeant Diaz’s tank…took either an RPG or recoilless rifle hit in the rear.”
Now, although it is disputed whether the tank was hit by either an RPG or a recoilless rifle, many in the 1st Battalion, 64th Armored, who were present in the Thunder Run on the 5 April 2003, have said that they believe a recoilless rifle was most likely used. Captain David Hibner, of the 10th Engineer Battalion and who was attached to the 64th Armored for the Thunder Run, commented that:
“A recoilless rifle disabled one of the tanks…It hit into the tanks engine compartment and it started it on fire.”
LfE
Love the videos - have you ever looked at covering the Limbang Raid by the Royal Marines in Borneo?
More people should know about that almost forgotten conflict.
are you able to do a video on the battle of wanat
You're determination and attention to detail to military history is incredible.
nice one alfie
Sir can you make a vid about the korean war especially the Battle of Yultong, also known as the Battle of Meiluodong, Battle of Yuldong, or Battle of Yuldong-ri in the korean war
I remember watching the Iraqi information minister saying that the "Americans are defeated and are running away", as an Abrams tank rolled past a few blocls behind him.
I need to find this clip lmao
Can you provide us with a link?
Lol as an Iraqi i confirm that the government back then was full of shit, my family said that they were casually going to work when they were informed that Iraq was in a war and Baghdad was under invasion.
I remember... the “misinformation minister” ran his mouth and said “they are not at the gates of Baghdad”. One of our Commanding Generals answered back, “I challenge him to come to Baghdad International Airport”, the named dubbed after we took it over when it was called Saddam International Airport.
I was an RO with 7th Engineers with the Marines. Semper Fi
Haha is that the same moron that said that the us wasn't dropping bombs , but dropping pensils? 😂
"hey, miller, quit playing with the dinosaur man, you'll see him again soon"
Dont put me through that again :(
Battlefeild 3 US Tank Forge?
You think making me cry is cool?
@@cingham04 Your surname is the same as the guy in BF3 who told Miller to put the dinosaur down lmaooo
Edit: nvm he changed his name
Miller never saw him again tho
Damn I miss you Booker! He was a HARD CORE Steelers fan! We fought almost every weekend during football seasons. He was a tanker and I was a Scout. It was natural to go at him everyday. My heart broke when I found out he passed on the Thunder run. I was in 1st BDE waiting at a checkpoint on the other side of the highway at the airport. We miss you bro!
God bless you.
Ugh..
God bless you bro.
I was in bravo 3/15. I remember when 4/64 and 1/64 along with 3/69 put in work. Rock of the Marne dogface soldier out.
Thank you for your service, both of you are such brave souls
I was a Bradly Commander (BC) in C 3/15 INF during Thunder Run, I've been through a lot prior to the assault, both during Desert Storm and leading up to Thunder Run. My Bradly exhausted all 300 rounds of our 25 mm and hot reloaded the coax twice. I was never so scared in my life sitting in that BC hatch.
Were you in Ramadi in 2006?
Thank you for your service. I don’t remember the date, it was early or mid April, but my company, 147th Maintenance, moved up after Baghdad was cleared out. I remember burned out vehicles and trailers with missiles on them. Downed power lines and towers.There was quite a bit of destruction that we had little to do with but were very thankful for. After Baghdad it wasn’t too bad north of the city.
@@wvusmc I happily retired in 2005 before 3/15 redeployed for OIF-II. Invading Iraq twice was enough for me.
I heard that 06 thru 08 were rough years.
I was 1/64 AR A Co. Wild Bunch during this raid. Crazy times
I don't know who you are or where you're from, but you're a legend!
Rock of the Marne
Edit: SSgt Booker's Silver Star was upgraded to a Distinguished Service Cross.
I wanna be.....a sledgehammer... Can Do!
That's wonderful
I wish it was a Medal of Honor, but it is good that it was upgraded. What a man.
It's says this in the video towards the end
@@goldzior1128 I saw that. I would have mentioned the upgrade in the video and not left it for the end. Just my two cents. I really enjoy this channel and always look forward to new content.
I always dream of being a soldier once I grew... but seeing these stories and events makes me realize that war is hell.
You're not wrong.
That, and you’re only really fighting for the interests of corporations and other special interests groups
@@andreidarie4076 except for maybe world wars, ok fine the cold war was really one of the most important wars
@@John.AR.Activism the real axis of evil has been the unholy alliance of the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. Go remove them yourself you deranged neocon, 99% of people aren’t interventionist war hawks.
@@williewilson2250 there would have been no Cold War if Roosevelt didn’t help Stalin build up the military industry might of the USSR. Nor would there even have been a USSR to begin with if New York bankers (at the permission of Woodrow Wilson) didn’t bankroll Trotsky and Lenin when they created the Soviet Union. America betrayed Eastern Europe and allowed the Soviet Union to conquer them under communism instead of allying with Germany to crush global communism once and for all. Shame.
I can't tell you why but before you even said what happened to Booker I got goosebumps like something told me he didn't make it. Tragic. What a stud. This put me to tears
@East LOL shouldn't fuck with usa then eh? Lesson learned muslims?
@@roberto125919 what
@@roberto125919 Americans are so strange
@@warninme rubbiebubbie speaks for himself and only himself
@@roberto125919 You've learned many lesson yourself having lost many wars already so it's quite a bit ironic.. But it's with such attitude against races and cultures that war will never end. You are the cause of hatred, the reason of war. Shame on you.
This channel is everything I’ve wanted in a military TH-cam channel. Thank you
Same just found it 👌
Go check out The Operations Room
@@landenherteux2350 just about to say that 😂
brainless obedience to our criminal leaders you mean?
@@markyboy531 get outside more
When I was a benning I saw his picture on a drill sgts desk and asked about and it was his buddy and he told me the story and the drill sgt was involved with the airport raid during that operation. It’s funny cause we all wanted to hear the war stories and now we all have our own
Oh snaps I didn’t know this was part of the same mission my old Drill Sgt was on ha no kidding that’s why you comment after
Your content is entertaining and respectful keep up the good work
it have nice depressing music... it creates good Mood that war is not Fun. Love it
Yeah, like showing a police officers handling and actions of pointing and discharging a weapon at another person all the while ignoring the context that the person shot was innocent and that it was a mistake.
@@flyingyakdeath oops sorry we don’t like people who Watch CNN
Apparently only Sgt (token black guy) Booker was on the Baghdad Run. Like a superhero.
I'm surprised how well the Abrams actually kinda held up despite being burned and airstriked. Goes to show how tough those things are.
I might be wrong but i believe the Abrams were built out of British "Chobham" armour..
@@woods457 I may be mistaken but I'm pretty sure it's something like American design and engine, British armour, Belgian machine guns and German main gun
@@matthewirvine1361 look up RedEffect m1 abrams video. He explains the development history, whats it made of and explains the m1 uses a german gun talk
German artillery is always the best
There isn’t a modern Western tank design that isn’t absolute state of the art, the Abram fits that Bill to the T alright. I’d say the Chally bumps it but that’s not really relevant to this
Nice presentation - SSgt Booker awarded honors for something not in any book, manual or TTP, countless actions observed and put down until a fatal bullet took his life. Lest we Forget
Thank you for the somber tone in this video. I went into Iraq with Delta Company 4-64Armor and this video stirs a lot of emotions. It’s good to keep this in the forefront of peoples minds. It never leaves us soldiers.
I was a Marine Infantryman following tanks as we rolled in. Let me tell it was wild. Vehicles flying at us and tanks blowing them right by us, jets hitting vehicles as we pushed in and they charged us. Had people trying to kill us and some trying to surrender, every trigger pull us Grunts made had to be second guessed, that guy popping out of the tree could have an RPG ready to hit our track or a man that was coming out to surrender
One of the best channels on YT. Well produced and thoroughly researched. Thank you.
I worked for Col Schwartz when he was the garrison commander at Knox. He was the most common sense Col I have ever worked for. He was the best Col I ever worked for in the 34 years I worked for the government. If you Col ever read this it was a honor to work for and support you and your driver you had during your tour at Knox.
I had the privilege of having Col Rick Schwartz as an instructor prior to attending The Citadel. There are not enough men like him in the world.
Yes sir that’s the truth.
This is exactly researched and put together, enjoy these videos a lot 👌🏽
Imagine driving your normal commute, and all the sudden are in the middle of a firefight between tanks and small infantry units.
Or heck you come face to face with an Abrams that then fires warning shots at you.
Talk about literal nightmare fuel for anyone.
Would affect your miles per gallon smh
@@isaacdent5040 I suspect it'd effect your underwear more.
Yeah
From the looks of things we'll be seeing the weapons of war we payed to design and build and the men we payed to train soon enough. Looks like the United States is going to "liberate" the United States... For " freedom" of course.
@@MikeBrown-go1pc 😂👌🏻
My dad fought in the 2nd gulf war, he was a British soldier and scouted out major Iraqi posts and towns.
@Detective Houston
Can you remember what Regiment or Division/Brigade he was in?
Sounds as though he could have been 16 AA Brigade Pathfinders?
Lol, did he find any wmds?
@@d1ff76 I listen to basic logic which makes it pretty obvious why the US is at war on the other side of the world constantly with 3rd world countries
(if you're a bit slow it isn't to protect themselves)
@@residentelect he was in the Royal Irish, he was their radio/telecom guy🇬🇧
@@antimatter4733 he found loads mate, oil rigs and all, i know it was kinda sus how outta all the countries America could of went after, it was a oil rich one, but they had other reasons
Imagine being unaware of Americans in Iraq and heading to work and you see a Column of Abram tanks rolling down the highway
That's exactly what happened. Most of the "combatants" were just regular people living their lives.
@@ellzgoespro6568 very sad, a history teacher of mine pointed out that Iraq back then had infrastructure, a middle class, and a fairly stable existence (you can see this in the footage, these roads don't look much different than American highways)... but after the invasion quality of life plunged into post-apocalyptic levels and never recovered. Their government was evil, Saddam was a thug, but these were just normal people living their lives... they didn't ask for their country to become the "Harvard of Terrorism".
@@Awakeningspirit20 it’s war people die civilians and soldiers every country is guilty of war crimes
Thanks for making these videos.
Funny that I got this notification while I was watching a documentary about the Iraq War.
Tactics
what doc was it?
That is indeed, hilarious.
I was watching booty shaking.
@@jayg.158 nice
Thx for the great upload again!
Hell yeah I was waiting for this
I love this channel!
thunderruns, the Baghdad experience, Fallujah and Najaf have defined urban warfare in the 21st century. they set the atmosphere for the rest of the century, like was seen in Mosul. War in the future will be fought more and more in this environment, and all the challenges will be amplified.
We can never reach the heights of valour Men like S/Sgt Stevon Booker have stood on. Better men than me and many .Salute
Brilliant content, you do those forces justice with you hardwork
Great video! Thanks.
Rest In Peace Staff Sergeant Stevon Booker, a truly great man. God bless him.
Dude went crazy
@@riskybisness : Please elaborate?
He is a SSG wearing CPL stripes wearing CAPT bars please explain ?
Well said.
@@bobgrabowski2232 The picture is probably the only one the producer of this video had access to and the insignia on each shoulder is the unit he is a member of.
Ooh, great video! I cant wait to see the next one!
Say his name. A warrior has returned to his Father, God in Heaven.
These are the names we should be saying! Not the criminals whom BLM worships.
Roman's 10 9 Bible. Google
@@mcrump7421 Anyone killed by the cops is a criminal. Got it. Thanks. Hey do you think Black lives matter?
@@GA_BALLA All lives matter
@@cyberdyne9480 ah yes, the typical answering a question that was never asked response. My response to you is, no they don't.
Being 2nd bde 3id, you'd always hear stories about the Thunder Runs. I appreciate you doing a video on this and getting some original footage. I'd love to see a video on thunder run 2.
I was 535th En Co CSEs coms chief.. we spear headed for youz guys up the left flank and created Route Donkey to secure the land for the C130 airstrip south by south west of karbala gap.. and somewhat west of najaf and nasirya.. the qrf yall provided us ran out of fuel . So.. we pushed on forward . I didnt like it one bit.. all we had was two freakin AT4s and a D7 with a mine rake.. we ended up making army history as the first CSE ever to be 68k ahead of any combat team.. we also had Luke Baker from reuters with us.. Karbala gap was where it got ugly for me.. when the sun started coming up i could see the downed apache to the left in a field near some watery looking grassy areas those pilots got captured... and we had a track vehcile in the road that took 9 casualties.. rpg got em when they dropped the door.. being with an engineer xo we was all over the place going from objective to objective to ensure you all had engineer support... we built Dogwood LSA then moved into the upper floor of the old airport terminals at biap a while later..
It was sureal..
Pro Patria Vigilans.
I rolled past the knocked out Abrams in my truck a few days after the Thunder run... It was the only time i had ever seen an MI destroyed. Good to finally know it was an air strike that kept it from being captured..
Well in my book he should have been awarded the congressional medal of honor
Third Division was the best unit I ever served in. Amazing unit history.
Third Infantry Division not just Third Division. It's called 3rd I.D. for a reason.
@@philgarza6158 It's odd for someone to serve in a unit and not say it's name correctly, isn't it? Cheers.
Alpha Co. 603d Aviation Suppory Battltion. First duty...reenlisted for Germany right as 3ID was preparing to leave for Iraq. Wish I'd stayed with 3ID CAUSE my unit in Germany was fucked up and put myself back in the hospital there and got out
I wouldn’t give a bean to be a fancy pants marine. At first I hated that song. But I soon learned to love it.
@@Robocopster I had to sing the dog-faced soldier song when I went to the E6 board lol
SSgnt.booker I tip my hat too you may your beautiful soul rest in peace
Wtf type of beautiful soul they destroyed the middle east and committed a war crimes against the Iraqi people and destroyed there country wtf type of people are a murdering pace of shit of a nation you call America
@@vladimirmakarov334 Britain and France were responsible for destabilizing the region in the first place and made messed up borders. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, turkey was responsible for the Armenian genocide. Britain and Russia played the great game of Afghanistan where neither side won destabilizing the region further and the cold also did no help at all. After the Golden age of Islam the Middle East has always been in constant conflict. The U.S are just another page in its bloody yet rich history of the Middle East. Also is Americans are lied to since the beginning from our government stating that “we are fighting for freedom” we know that’s bullshit but some blame the soldiers blame the politicians who send them off to war. Are there fucked yo soldiers? Yes quite a few and they should get what they deserve but the vast majority are just young American men and women who were lied to by their government and just like you have reason to hate us we have reasons to hate you too
@@julianpichardo5045 I'm not saying that all Americans are bad what I'm trying to say is your government is corrupt and they are hungry power hungry war mongering paces of shits if they just back tf out of our business and just help the middle east to rebuild it well be great and also if they just stop making Americans suffer that would make the world a better place it needs to stop this lifestyle they are living in not out dated and stupid shit at the end of the day we are all humans that god created
@@vladimirmakarov334 nah you're just screaming "america bad" like a mad lad because you think its cool and fashionable and to get attention.
Watching this almost 20 years later as a 3ID tanker that was there too. Assassin 4/64 here. Miss you all.
Just gotta say these videos always have me close to tears in gratitude for the amazing moments these soldiers have and how courageous they are in war.
I thought this was a War Thunder video, stayed to learn about history.
Great video as always 👍🏻
I was there in 2005. I was fortunate enough to make it back home. Thank you for all that are serving and who has served.
There in Feb 03. Thank you for YOUR SERVICE BROTHER ( 2/5 RCT5 QRF)
Bro, seriously love the videos, please dont stop lol
R.I.P. Staff Sergeant Booker 🙏
Men like staff sgt booker are rare.
They are men that I draw inspiration from. I will always honor people like him as I strive to be like those people.
Dang, how is this channel not more popular!?! Awesome work on the videos!
The mind boggles mate. Just look at the "Trending page" on Y.T, that's the sort of shite, the vast majority of people are into.
Great presentation as always...
I cant imagine driving to work one morning just to run into an armoured column cruising down the road
I was in this thunder run, I was a E2, driver in a Bradley. I can still feel the heat and how bad we smelled and sick to my stomach after a clam chowder MRE. I absolutely hated it, but now after so many years I truly miss it. I miss my battle buddies that I’ll never get to see again or lost contact with. My life has felt like I’ve been stuck in Iraq and I cannot move forward no matter how hard I try, I miss everyone so much.
Did you know my brother Christopher Northrop.
Great video and thank you for covering this operation. Best briefing channel on YT.☯️🎩♠️
Great story. Thank you for posting it.
Booker was definitely a bad ass. Jumped out of the tank where he would be safe because his mama deuce jammed so he could get out with his M4 and provide accurate fire for the entire column.
That ladies and gentlemen is a true hero
If i am to die I DIE STANDING a true chad and worthy of everyones respect
SSG Booker went throught OSUT 1 year after I did. God bless you sergeant.
I look forward to your videos, not just of my beloved U.S but all others. Thank you. 🇲🇽🇺🇲
One of the best documentary Ive gotten watch was Push to Baghdad that cover a lot this in depth on the ground it was back, when educational channels actually educated.
Thank you for this video. 1-64 AR is the unit to made me the soldier I am and to see its history published like this is very moving. Rest in peace brothers. Mission first, men Always. Tip of the Spear, Desert Rouges.
Excellent video!!! Well done
Thank you , Staff Sergeant Booker for your honorable service to our country.
Skill issue
Nice piece, thanks.
This guy has an amazing narrating style.
I like to imagine the lead tank's driver was new and the commander briefed him on his job.
"Alright bud, you see this road in front of you?"
"Yes sir"
"And see that throttle there on the stick?"
"Yes sir"
"You keep the tank on this road, firewall that throttle, and don't stop till I tell you."
Another great video, man. A lot of this sounds vaguely familiar, like, I think I saw another video about this on TH-cam, but this outdoes that video by far. I think I heard it said before that if you weren't 3ID, you weren't really in Iraq or something to that effect. I'm also glad SSgt. Booker's award was upgraded, RIP.
WOOOOOOOOOOO I cliked the like button and it went from 7 to 7.1 Love this channel
SSgt Booker was a hell of a Madden player too! Respect.
One of my best friends was there for both thunder runs. His stories about it are wild and it is very famous amongst the 3rd ID history
Imagine such a success so quickly lead to 20 years of war and a huge F in the end...
It was never a success. Would it be a success if the US invaded Canada all the while ignoring it was negligent and a mistake?
@@flyingyakdeath ? He was saying the initial invasion was a success, not the whole war? No need to read so much into it dude
Love these videos so interesting
Great video! May SSgt Booker RIP. Incredibly courageous man! God bless them all!!!
New sub fella. Good job..
I’m a huge fan of your channel and I think your content is amazing. I would love to see a video about Operation Moshtarak, I’m pretty sure it’s the largest joint operation in history and I would love to know more about it.
Soldiers giving their lives should get the top medals possible.!! They have given their lives
How did Stevon Booker not get a Medal of Honour for that bravery that lost him his life? The small arms fire must have been immense.
He is a legend, even better than a MOH. It's the one award noone wants.
They upgraded his Silver Star to the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest award for Valor.
The Audiobook about this operation "Thunder Run" is really interesting and has a lot of quotes and information about the actual soldiers !
6:17
What do the chevrons on a tank like that one stand for?
The chevron indicate the unit or organization that the tank belongs to.
The number of times they prestiged their MP5s.
@@abelincoln8446 Thanks for the info :)
"This side up"
rly love your content that’s so interresting thanks you
I remember they based the BF3 mission on this
The BF3 mission had literally nothing to do with it other than they used the nickname for the push into Baghdad as the name of the official operation for the BF3 mission.
@@Bloodhound264 "Based"
Yeah, the BF3 mission was about Iran not Iraq.
@@meatiest1989 “Based”, in Battlefield 3 there is a mission where an armoured spearhead is sent into Tehran & the mission is called Thunder Run.
@@alexrennison8070 yeah ik
Great vid fella 🇬🇧👍
Fab video thank you
He was one solid dude. I miss him very much. See you soon, Sir.
As much as the guy lying on top of the turret is a hero he didn't have to do that and good example of staying in the tank because that's the safe spot. Commander has optics.
Shut up this guy gave his life for his country and didn’t hesitate too do so show some respect dude.
@@adrian.m5631
I think it sailed over his head that SSGT Booker was the Commander... Plus, in an engagement like the, 360 degree eyeball of the immediate surroundings and potential obstacles in your path is far more useful than what could at the time be quite limited cameras...
I was thinking the same, he could have just have had is head exposed if he wanted to spot instead of laying prone on the turret so he could shoot with his m4. His arrogance got him killed.
At the time of our invasion, we still had issues w the optical processors overheating, hence the box on the rear bustle rack today, that are used to cool the computers In the tank. How do I know.... I was a tanker and tank instructor at the US Army Armor school fort Knox KY from. 97 to 2000.
@@realityhurts8697 There were 21 Abrams and 40 something Bradleys and Im going to assume we had drones/ air superiority as well. There was zero need/ reason for him to risk his life like that. Chances are he got trigger happy and thought he was a hero on D-Day. I respect his loss of life but thats it. He could have survived, and America shouldnt have been there in the first place, end of story.
So it was a really welcome reception for unsupervised guests
RIP staff sgt booker, may You drink every day with your boys and continue slaying bodies in Valhalla.
ROCK STEADY! What my brothers did in the Thunder Run is legendary, hell of a fight. Good work LFE.
I was part of 3rd Brigade 3rd Infantry Division 2/69 AR. I deployed 2 times with those guys. We had great times and rough times. I'll never forget. The Sledgehammer Brigade.
Second time I’ve had to subscribe to you again.
The book about this event is also a great read too.
What's it called?
@@cheiftain7340 thunder run
@@cheiftain7340 " Thunder Run' by David Zucchino ISBN 1.84354.282.X ( Atlantic boks)
@@Sandman253 thank you
Great Book. I have read it several times over
This Jason Diaz was in the 442d Military Police Company attached to the 1st Marine Division. The other Jason Diaz cleared the path for us. He is an AWESOME Jason Diaz
Another HERO gone, but NEVER FORGOTTEN
Booker sounded like a certified BADASS! R.I.P
Me, who is from the midwest, In my head after reading the first part of the title: "and the lightnin' strikes *DUN DUN DUN* "
Outstanding video.. RIP SSGT Booker
Sir can you make a vid about the korean war especially the Battle of Yultong, also known as the Battle of Meiluodong, Battle of Yuldong, or Battle of Yuldong-ri in the korean war
Great video and tribute to SSG Booker. I was the S-3 and tank commander of HQ-63. However, a small correction... the order of march was actually, A Co 1-64, then B Co 3-15 Infantry, then A Co 10th Engineers, then C Co 1-64.
What were you? A 19k or 11b who was a master gunner or SSG/ SFC/ SGM in s3 that was put on an Abrams or a Bradley carrying battalion command elements during the thunder run.
Or i take it you were an O3/ O4 put in a Bradley, Abrams, or m113 carrying battalion HQ elements.
@@smokeypuppy417 If he was in S-3,(training and operations) and the commander of HQ-63, then he was an 11E
As an officer he is just 11A.
Great video! I was in the 3rd ID but did not participate in Desert Storm. I was there during Desert Shield. I still love my unit! Rock of the Marne!!
Thank you very much for your sacrifice............ Iraq now is a better place to live in
I remember the amount of mines the Iraqis just threw next to the road (got some pics around here somewhere) and watching the car full of people driving around like they were just going to work. Drove under the overpass on highway 8 about a hundred times. Hard to believe its been 18 years. Rest in Peace SSGT Booker.
That's what amazed me, some people would just drive through a battle on ther way to work or something!
Rot in peace booker
@@Medium341 like the iraqis
@@Medium341 I wonder how many of those badr scum I sent to hell..it was quite alot..a militia made up of chai boys and goat lovers
I own a flag that was given to my mother who was in 81st brigades pay, she was a grunt and a airforcemen during her times in the military as a Specialist E-4, the flag was one of the main ones in Baghdad during operation Iraqi Freedom, to the services of all those that has kept the flag stabled and in good condition while hauling ass I thank you very much for having this piece of history, and to all the servicemen of the wars.
A grunt?
@@theimmortal4718 Infantry
@@KommandantGSR
Sorry, man. Your mom wasn't an infantryman.
That MOS has only been open to women for a couple of years.
Currently in the 4th ID. Met a couple of SGMs and MSGs who were deployed during Iraqi Freedom. I'm HR so I'm around lots of senior enlisted.
God Bless the brave, worthy soul of Staff Sergeant Booker. Thank you, Sir. 🇺🇸🇬🇧💪